Lab Technician in the Mechanics of Organelle Remodeling Laboratory

The Institute

The Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) is an international biomedical research institute of excellence, based in Barcelona, Spain, with more than 400 scientists from 44 countries. The CRG is composed by an interdisciplinary, motivated and creative scientific team which is supported both by a flexible and efficient administration and by high-end and innovative technologies. 

In April 2021, the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) received the renewal of the 'HR Excellence in Research ' Award from the European Commission. This is a recognition of the Institute's commitment to developing an HR Strategy for Researchers, designed to bring the practices and procedures in line with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and theCode of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter and Code). 

Please, check out our Recruitment Policy

The role  

Successful candidates will join the Mechanics of Organelle Remodeling Group. They will provide key technical support for smooth running of the laboratory via tasks that include cell culture, common molecular biology experiments, reagent preparation, equipment and inventory maintenance/purchases, as well as basic training of new lab members. Their essential work will aid researchers in addressing an exciting question in mechanobiology: how mammalian cells mechanically regulate the dynamics of nuclear RNA-processing organelles to drive vital cellular processes in health and/or disease.  

About the lab 

To function, organisms rely on vital organs which, in turn, rely on cell division and specialization. At the subcellular scale, these universal cellular processes are notably driven by robust mechanisms of organelle remodeling. Our lab’s broad interest lies in discovering these mechanisms, which is critical for the fundamental understanding of organisms in health and disease, as well as for enhanced organ engineering strategies.

A prominent research focus is the relation between physical forces and the remodeling of essential nuclear RNA-processing organelles known as biomolecular condensates. We pioneered in revealing that, in germ cells, cytoskeletal forces mechanically remodel and regulate nuclear condensates across scales for reproductive success. Whether somatic cells, which compose the majority of cells in an organism, evolved this mechanical mechanism of organelle remodeling remains a mystery. However, our new evidence indicates that this mechanism is deployed by mammalian somatic cells within diverse physiological and pathological contexts. We therefore aim to venture into these unexplored grounds of nuclear condensate mechano-regulation across somatic cell types in health and disease. The research objective is to decipher how cytoskeletal forces impact nuclear dynamics across scales, from organelle remodeling down to RNA-processing regulation, and how this physical link influences somatic cell division and specialization.

To attain this aim, our research follows a cross-disciplinary approach, bridging methods from systems, cell, molecular, and synthetic biology along with computational and biophysical tools. This comprises techniques like protein multiplexing, advanced imaging, optogenetics, spatial transcriptomics, biomimetic systems, and force measurement and modulation assays. We will work with different model systems of interest, which include but are not limited to primary mouse brain neural progenitors and multiciliated cells, mouse cell lines (e.g., muscle cells), and human cell lines (e.g., breast cancer cells, iPS cells).

Whom would we like to hire?  

Professional experience  

Must Have

• Lab experience with mammalian cell culture and common techniques in Cell & Molecular biology 

Desirable but not required/ Nice to have 

• Bachelor's or master's degree, preferably in Cell & Molecular Biology 

• Experience with mouse organ dissections and primary cell culture 

• Experience with imaging and/or transcriptomics 

• Experience with common laboratory task management

 Languages

Computer skills 

• Advanced MS Office and Prism experience 

• Skilled with image and data analyses software 

Competences  

• Rigor, organization, and autonomy

• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills 

• Curiosity and critical thinking 

The Offer – Working Conditions 

• Contract duration: Technical and scientific activities contract - estimated duration of 1-2 years with possibility of extension  

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales 

• Target start date:November 2023.

We provide a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructures, and unique professional career development opportunities. To check out our training and development portfolio, please visit our website in the training section .

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environmentand welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion,sexual orientation or gender identity.

The CRG is committed to reconcile a work and family life of its employees and are offering extended vacation period and the possibility to benefit from flexible working hours.

Application Procedure

All applications must include:

All applications must be addressed to Dr. Adel Al Jord and be submitted online through the "Apply" button below.

Selection Process

• Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will be based on qualifications and expertise reflected on the candidates CVS. It will be merit-based. 

• Interview: Preselected candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager of the position and a selection panel if required. 

• Offer Letter: Once the successful candidate is identified the People department will send a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary, working conditions, among other important details.  

Deadline: Please submit your application before 30/10/2023. 

Suggestions: The CRG believes in ongoing improvement and promotes a culture of feedback. This is one of the reasons we have in place, at your disposal as a candidate, a mechanism to gather your suggestions/complaints concerning your candidate experience in our recruitment processes. Your feedback really matters to us in our aim at creating a positive candidate journey. You can make a difference and help us improve by letting us know your suggestions through the following form. https://recruitment.crg.eu/webforms/recruitment-contact-form-suggestionscomplaints